Anishinabek Police Service

Anishinabek Police Service
Type	Police or court
Founded	1991

Anishinabek Police Service is a police agency serving First Nation communities.

In Anishinabek News

• May 2014: The Anishinabek Police Service operates 12 detachments with 62 sworn officers and 21 civilian members across Anishinabek Nation territory. The service provides policing to communities ranging from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to Fort William First Nation. Chairperson Doug Chevrier stated that the service is understaffed, which forces officers to work alone and creates safety risks.
• June 2015: Officers from this service accompanied participants during a solidarity walk for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in May 2015.
• December 2016: The service was developed with the help of Ken Dokis while he was employed by the Union of Ontario Indians. The organization maintains a visible presence at community events in Nipissing First Nation to build trust with children and youth. Members of the service work collectively with the West Nipissing Police Service on various projects.
• December 2016: The service worked in conjunction with Nipissing First Nation to increase compliance with fishery regulations.
• January 2017: The Nipissing First Nation Police eventually morphed into this police organization. George Couchie worked for this service during his career in law enforcement.
• March 2017: Constable J.P. Spence represented this agency as part of the Kina maamwi gdoo-wiikendaasmin working group.
• February 2018: The service assisted in slowing traffic during a 2018 demonstration to allow for the distribution of anti-trafficking information. It collaborated with the Ontario Provincial Police and municipal police during the provincial anti-human trafficking day.
• June 2018: Officers from the service provide security during treaty annuity events at Nipissing First Nation. The service provides a presence to protect funds, especially when picking up at the bank.
• July 2018: Sergeant Kevin Redsky and Sergeant Al Naveau are members of this police service. The service has a detachment located at Nipissing First Nation.
• July 2018: Sergeant Kevin Redsky of this service led a national walk to advocate for youth mental health resources. The service operates a detachment in Curve Lake where Kevin Redsky serves as commander.
• October 2018: Wayne Pamajewon noted that community marijuana laws must be designed to be enforceable by this service.
• June 2019: The Anishinabek Police Service assumed responsibility for policing the former Camp Ipperwash on April 1, 2019. The service plans to hire three new officers to patrol the additional territory using a community-based policing model. The Kettle and Stony Point Detachment of the Anishinabek Police Service will work to address local policing needs while respecting traditional cultural values.
• October 2019: The service previously occupied the building that now houses The Family Centre.
• February 2020: The service was thanked by the Anishinabek Nation for ensuring safety during a February 2020 protest.
• May 2020: Denny Lambert serves as a police officer with this agency in Garden River First Nation. As of May 2020, the agency intended to work around the scheduling needs of Denny Lambert following his hiring by the Soo Thunderbirds.
• August 2020: The service was formed in 1991 following a policing agreement supported by the Union of Ontario Indians. The organisation has faced long-term challenges regarding underfunding and a lack of administrative architecture compared to municipal services. Its first chief, Glen Banning, was arrested for involvement in kickbacks related to police cruiser supply contracts.
• August 2020: Dwayne Nashkawa recalled the Ontario Provincial Police approach in the days before this service existed.
• November 2020: The Anishinabek Police Service conducted an extensive investigation into the death of David Jordan Oliver alongside the Ontario Provincial Police. The Anishinabek Police Service was assisted by provincial emergency response and canine units during the search for David Jordan Oliver in August 2020.
• March 2021: As of March 2021, the Anishinabek Police Service employs approximately 65 officers and 20-25 civilian staff to serve its member communities. The agency uses the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police selection system for its hiring process. In 2021, the Anishinabek Police Service hired Sheema Osipenko to serve the communities of Wasauksing First Nation, Shawanaga First Nation, and Magnetawan First Nation.
• July 2021: The service shared a video by Ed Regan on July 1, 2021.
• July 2021: The service collaborated with the Ontario Provincial Police to install billboards seeking information about a local homicide in June 2021. The Kettle and Stony Point detachment of the service is involved in collecting tips from the public.
• December 2021: The police service was represented by Chantal Larocque, who provided a recorded trilingual performance of the national anthem. The agency supported the event as part of an effort to foster positive experiences for Indigenous youth.
• January 2022: Constable Karen Bell, an officer with this service, nominated Barbara Nolan for the Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit.
• January 2022: The service was chaired by Tom Bressette for several years. Under his leadership, the force focused on achieving professional standards and ensuring officers had adequate safety equipment.
• June 2023: The funding agreement for the Anishinabek Police Service expired on March 31, 2023, after the federal government refused to renegotiate. The service provides policing for communities within the Robinson Superior Treaty, Robinson Huron Treaty, Williams Treaty, and Upper Canada Treaty. Chronic underfunding has hindered the ability of the Anishinabek Police Service to respond to victims of crime and ensure community safety.
• November 2023: A representative from the service spoke to the community about legal protections when assisting during an overdose. The service highlighted how the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act prevents criminal charges for simple possession when seeking emergency help.
• March 2024: The service produced a comedic sequel video to promote the Little Native Hockey League and encourage recruitment for Indigenous policing. The production features a flying police vehicle and a Zamboni to transport characters to the tournament in Markham.
• July 2024: Members of the service attended the Anishinabek Educational Institute anniversary event and served barbequed hotdogs to guests.
• July 2024: Two members of the service provided presentations on community safety and human trafficking at a 2024 conference. The service participates in the Intelligence-Led Joint Forces Strategy to investigate human trafficking cases throughout Ontario.
• October 2024: As of October 2024, the service employs 92 officers and 32 civilians and is funded by the federal and provincial governments. It established specialty units for human trafficking and crime analysis after negotiating changes to its Tripartite Agreement. The organization produced a recruitment video filmed at Fort William First Nation to attract new members.
• January 2025: The service has five officers to cover both Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg as of late 2024. Chief of Police Jeff Skye stated that staff are asked to do more with less while facing a drug crisis and gang infiltration.
• July 2025: Officers from this service maintained a professional and cooperative presence during the demonstration at Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg.
• August 2025: The service launched The Pathway Helper, a program that integrates well-being workers into police responses for mental health and crisis calls. Officers from this service have seen an increase in seizures of firearms and drugs like fentanyl during traffic stops and warrant executions as of 2025.
• September 2025: The Anishinabek Police Service collaborated with Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg to implement and enforce the new Trespassing and Safety Naaknigewin. Officers from the service are empowered by the new law to verify identities and remove individuals who refuse to respect community boundaries. Chief Jeff Skye stated that the service supports the inherent right of First Nations to pass their own laws for community security.
• November 2025: A sergeant from the Anishinabek Police Service provided safety tips to approximately 160 attendees at a health conference in October 2025. An Anishinabek Police Service representative recommended that travellers avoid announcing trips on social media to prevent home burglaries while they are away.
• November 2025: The Anishinabek Police Service launched a new website on July 15, 2025, that includes a Staying Safe bundle for culturally appropriate safety information. The service introduced a Quick Escape button on its website to help individuals experiencing domestic violence or human trafficking hide their browsing history. The Anishinabek Police Service collaborated with an Indigenous-owned agency to ensure the website was mobile-friendly and culturally sensitive for recruitment and community support.
• February 2026: The service hosted its Annual Badge & Awards Ceremony on February 11, 2026, in Garden River First Nation. The organization presented the Chief of Police Lifesaving Commendation to individuals who demonstrated extraordinary courage in crisis situations.
• April 2026: The police service visits Fort William First Nation to provide presentations during family programming.
• July 2026: The police service supported the Zaagidwan Community Walk and encouraged the public to share information about drug activity. The service recently issued warnings regarding a batch of drugs linked to an increase in overdoses. The service provides online reporting options for citizens who are uncomfortable using Crimestoppers or calling dispatchers.
• September 2026: The service maintained a presence at the 2026 Nipissing First Nation pow wow to build community relationships and recruit new members. Constable JP Spence carried the agency's flag during the event's Grand Entry. The service often supports community events by donating and preparing food for barbecues.